In full contrast to yesterday again the ocean was completely different today thankfully returning to action mode with plenty of signs of mid grade yellowfin tuna to be seen, and plenty to be landed when the right spot was located. It wasn't a full tilt pace all day long, but there was very little down time as there was nearly always something to be heading for, or something to stop the boat on. More akin to the first couple of days we spent here, with the afternoon came the best opportunities as the fish erupted all along one side of the island and we pieced together two excellent, day making drifts that significantly added to our total score of eighty two yellowfin tagged and released today. As the afternoon progressed into evening, the size average also increased with the majority of the fish landed easily entering the 120 - 150# category to the huge delight of everyone.

A remarkable side note, to me anyway, is the performance of the Thai anglers using high grade spinning tackle to land these spirited 100 - 150# class yellowfin tuna. By mentioning this I am far from attempting to begin a new trend, but I have to admit that I am fascinated by the success ratio on the big spinners that defies just about every idea of big yellowfin tuna fishing that west coast tuna fishermen entertain. With the Shimano "Stella" 2000 series reels loaded with one hundred thirty pound spectra and mono top shots, and short, beefy rods, time and again these incredibly capable fishermen made short work of yellowfin tuna in a size class that most southland anglers would hardly believe possible, or assign to the pure luck category. Between pulling like madmen, an obviously elevated skill set, and premium equipment designed for duty far more extreme than I imagined, these anglers have expanded my fishing knowledge by a wide margin. And like I mentioned these successful battles are not long drawn out nightmares on the brink of disaster at all times. Over the past few days I have witnessed at least twenty five battles with yellowfin tuna over one hundred pounds on the spinning tackle that last an average of five to ten minutes.

Today took the cake however as a couple of anglers threw down against yellowfin in the one hundred forty to one hundred fifty pound class using the spinners and again commanded the outcome dishing out straight punishment against their opponents that were landed in about ten to fifteen minutes. Amazing. I have to admit that I am really hoping for a few giants to latch on tomorrow as my skepticism has been soundly rebuked in every respect thus far. Now I really want to witness the outcome of a skirmish with a 200 pound class tuna on the spinning tackle. I know what my idea of the outcome is. But, like I said, thus far my notions about the capability of this tackle have been authoritatively proven wrong.

On that note that is really the final missing element, if one wants to dig for something missing, that would launch this voyage into the category we hope all voyages attain. With the amount of time we have spent scouring this entire island obviously there are very few giants in the vicinity, but tomorrow may certainly surprise us as we have all seen just how profound the day to day conditions can change. Regardless, with the caliber of the fishing we have enjoyed thus far we are not looking to complain. The final day is now upon us. With that in mind at the very least we hope to keep the ball rolling and end this already successful voyage on a high note.

Today's photos feature the action at the rail that entered the hot and heavy category on a few occasions. Also, in support of today's theme, the spinning rods are seen in action along side traditional, west coast style tuna gear. What a contrast.

Tim

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